A large congregation gathered in Galloon Parish Church, Newtownbutler on the evening of Friday 30th August 2013, to mark an important milestone in the life of the Galloon, Sallaghy and Drummully group of parishes. The group, which straddles the Fermanagh and Monaghan border, in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Clogher, welcomed their new diocesan curate, the Revd Anita Kerr, who was introduced by the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell.

Prior to taking up her position in the Galloon Group, Revd Anita served in various capacities as a Non–Stipendiary Minister in the Diocese of Clogher, and prior to that she served in Sligo Cathedral in the Diocese of Elphin and Ardagh. The preacher at the service of institution was the Dean of Elphin and Ardagh, the Very Revd Arfon Williams.

Assisting the bishop at the service were the Archdeacon, the Venerable Cecil Pringle, the Revd Canon Helene T. Steed, Rural Dean of Clones, and the Diocesan Registrar, the Revd Canon John Stewart. The Bishop’s Chaplain was the Revd Sampson Ajuka, the organists were Mrs May Leech and Miss Joyce Clingan, and a combined choir from the group of parishes led the singing.

The processional hymn was the well known early Irish hymn Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart. The first reading was from Genesis chapter 28, read by Mr Darren Morrow. The Rural Dean, the Revd Canon Helene T. Steed, led Psalm 42 and the second reading was from Ephesians chapter 4, read by Mrs Hazel Robinson. The gradual hymn was Great is thy faithfulness, which was followed by the Gospel reading from St John chapter 15, read by Miss Rebekah Clingan. The sermon was followed by the hymn I, the Lord of sea and sky.

The Archdeacon, the Venerable Cecil Pringle presented Revd Anita to the Bishop for introduction, after which all joined in the hymn Brother, sister, let me serve you. The final hymn was Guide me, O thou great Jehovah.

After the service a number of speeches were made. Master of ceremonies was the Revd Canon Helene T. Steed, Rural Dean. Speakers included the Archdeacon, the Venerable Cecil Pringle, followed by Mrs Eileen Hall on behalf of Drummully Parish, Mr George Little on behalf of Sallaghy Parish, and Mr Richard Bell on behalf of Galloon Parish. Mrs Beulah Whittingdale made a presentation to Revd Anita on behalf of the Mothers’ Union. The Very Revd Michael King PP spoke on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church, the Revd Colin Milligan spoke on behalf of the Methodist Church, and Mr Pat Sharkey spoke on behalf of the wider community. Mr William Allen, on behalf of the group of parishes, paid tribute to those who have provided cover in the parishes during the vacancy, making presentations to Mr Walter Pringle (in abstentia), the Revd Canon David Skuce, and Dean Raymond Thompson. The speeches concluded with words from the Revd Anita Kerr and finally the Bishop.

Everyone was invited for a most splendid tea in the Church Hall afterwards.

Photo: Revd Anita Kerr, Revd Sampson Ajuka, Bishop John McDowell

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